Lesson Title: Designing a Cereal Box

Subject Areas: Graphic Design/Digital Art

Key Vocabulary:

• Branding: The process of creating a unique image and name for a product.

• Mascots: Mascots are personified figures—often animals, objects, or characters—that represent a group, brand, or organization, typically to symbolize good luck, foster unity, and enhance spirit. 

• Font: A font is a specific, individual instance of a typeface, which is a collection of characters (letters, numbers, and symbols) with a unified design. Example: Comic Sans

• Target Audience: The group of people who are most likely to buy the product.

• Marketing: The process of promoting and selling products.

• Logo: A graphic mark or emblem used to identify a brand or company.

• Slogan: A catchy phrase used in advertising to promote a product.

• Package Design: The process of creating the packaging for a product.

• Differentiate: recognize or ascertain what makes (someone or something) different.

Lesson Procedure:

Introduction:

1. Warm-Up Discussion:

   • Ask the class, "What makes a cereal box stand out to you in the store? Why do you pick one box over another?"

   • Discuss the elements of a cereal box: name, logo, images, colors, slogans, and how these appeal to consumers.

   • Show examples of popular cereal boxes and analyze their design choices (e.g., colors, characters, font, shape).

2. Explain the Project:

   • Students will design their own cereal box, considering a specific target audience and using elements of branding and marketing. They will think about the type of cereal they are selling (e.g., healthy, sugary, themed), and create a name, logo, slogan, and packaging design.

Step 1: Research & Concept:

1. Brainstorming Session:

   • Have students choose their cereal concept. They can either create a new cereal idea (e.g., "Crunchy Dragons" or "Super Fruit Oats") or redesign an existing cereal.
     Ask them to sketch their cereal box layout and think about:

     • Cereal Name: What will it be called?

     • Target Audience: Is it for kids, adults, or both?

     • Packaging Color Scheme: What colors will attract your target audience?

     • Logo and Slogan: Design a logo and come up with a catchy slogan.

     • Additional Features: Any special characters, mascots, or fun facts about the cereal (e.g., “High in fiber!” or “With real chocolate!”).
       
       

2. Research (Optional):

   • If using computers/tablets, students can research existing cereal boxes or marketing strategies. They can look at cereal advertisements or websites for inspiration.

Step 2: Design the Cereal Box (40-50 minutes):

1. Sketching:

   • Using a pencil and ruler, students should outline a cereal box (or use a template). It should include:

     • Front panel (with the name, logo, and imagery)

     • Side panel(s) (e.g., nutritional facts, slogan, more design elements)

     • Back panel (optional, but they could create a story or game like many cereal boxes have)
       
       

2. Coloring and Decoration:

   • Students will use markers, crayons, or colored pencils to decorate their boxes. Encourage creative designs and the use of bright, bold colors for appeal.

   • Remind students that packaging is meant to attract the eye and stand out on shelves.
     
     

3. Add Finishing Touches:

   • Once they’ve completed their sketches, students can cut out images from magazines or printouts to glue onto their boxes. Alternatively, they can design their own logos or characters.

   • Students should add a catchy slogan, a “nutrition facts” label, and any other relevant details (e.g., barcode, tagline).
     
     

Step 3: Presentation and Reflection:

1. Student Presentations:

   • Have each student present their cereal box to the class. They should explain:

     • The name and concept of the cereal.

     • Who their target audience is.

     • The design choices they made (colors, logos, imagery, etc.).

     • The benefits of their cereal and any creative marketing ideas (e.g., games on the back, prizes inside).

2. Class Feedback:

   • Allow time for peer feedback. Students can ask questions, give compliments, or suggest improvements.

Assessment:

• Participation: Did the student engage in the brainstorming and design process?

• Creativity and Effort: Was the cereal box design original and detailed?

• Presentation: Did the student clearly explain their choices and present their work confidently?

• Peer Review: Did students actively participate in providing constructive feedback to their peers?

Lesson Breakdown

1 – Remembering & Understanding - Objective: Recall design elements and explain visual hierarchy - Activities: Vocabulary review, analyze real cereal boxes, discuss color psychology - Assessment: Quiz, design vocabulary chart

2 – Applying - Objective: Apply design principles to plan a cereal box layout - Activities: Sketch rough drafts, plan colors, logos, typography - Assessment: Teacher checks drafts, peer feedback

3 – Analyzing - Objective: Evaluate how design communicates brand identity - Activities: Critique peers and professional cereal box designs - Assessment: Written critique using design vocabulary

4 – Evaluating - Objective: Justify design choices during creative process - Activities: Peer review, revise drafts, write artist statement - Assessment: Reflection form or oral presentation

5 – Creating & Presenting - Objective: Produce a fully realized digital cereal box - Activities: Create front, back, and side panels; optionally print and assemble - Assessment: Final product, presentation, and reflection

Project Requirements

Front Panel: Name/logo, mascot/image, slogan, colors Back Panel: Game/comic, nutrition info, brand story Side Panels: Ingredients, barcode, company info, mini logo

Art Standards Alignment (Based on National Core Arts Standards / Visual Arts)

VA:Cr1.2 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
VA:Cr2.3 — Demonstrate an understanding of the safe and proficient use of materials, tools, and equipment for a range of artistic processes.
VA:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation.
VA:Re7.2 — Analyze how one’s understanding of the world is affected by visual imagery.
VA:Cn10.1 — Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art.

Here is a general guideline to get you started:

Front Panel: 

• Company Logo  

• Name of the cereal

• Graphic and or photos

Back Panel: 

Puzzles, Games, Facts, etc

Left Side Panel: 

• Company Logo 

• Nutritional Facts 

• English & one other language

Right Side Panel: 

• Company Logo 

• Ingredients 

• Website address

Top Flap:

• Company Logo 

You will be printing your design and cutting out the package.